February 1, 2023, Banff, AB – The Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission (BVRTSC) is excited to announce a new ridership record, with 1.65 million passengers utilizing Roam Transit across all routes in 2022; an 8.5% increase over the previous record (1.52 million in 2019).

These transit ridership volumes demonstrate a noticeable mode shift, with both residents and visitors choosing to use transit rather than personal vehicles to access the Bow Valley and Banff National Park. Convenient, frequent, and accessible transit options throughout the Bow Valley, plus fare free transit in Canmore and fare free transit for Banff residents have been instrumental in encouraging this vital change.

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who uses transit to move throughout the Bow Valley and Banff National Park; 2023 will be another exciting year!”
– Martin Bean, CAO, Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission

“We are pleased to congratulate Roam Public Transit on this amazing milestone, and I want to thank Banff residents and visitors to our community for making this transit system such a success. Clearly, more and more people have realized leaving their personal vehicle at home and taking transit is more convenient, affordable, and enjoyable than driving,” said Corrie DiManno, Mayor of the Town of Banff. “The Town of Banff is thrilled to offer free transit for residents, which has helped to make Roam the preferred commuting option. For visitors, we know Roam’s service to everywhere in town and to popular destinations in the park is helping to guarantee folks get to see the incredible sights and attractions, without having to deal with traffic or being turned away from full parking lots. The Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission is a key part of our sustainable future.”

“I would like to congratulate Roam on record ridership numbers in 2022, surpassing 1.65 million riders. In Canmore, we have seen this trend on our local route, with numbers surpassing pre-COVID 2019 ridership levels. Thank you to all the staff at Roam for the work you do in our communities, it is truly appreciated!”
– Mayor Sean Krausert, Town of Canmore

“Since the inception of the Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission, Improvement District No. 9 has been an enthusiastic partner and advocate for transit in the Bow Valley. Connecting residents and visitors between Banff & Lake Louise and throughout the Park has been our priority and we are so incredibly thrilled that Roam has reached this milestone. Navigating the pandemic was a challenge for all of us, including the dedicated drivers and staff at Roam, which is why I am so proud to be able to celebrate this win for 2022. Congratulations on 1.65 million riders in 2022, Roam! Here’s to another successful year in 2023!”
– Chair Dave Schebek, Improvement District No. 9

Parks Canada congratulates Roam on the record breaking transit ridership in 2022. These efforts effectively advance the safe and sustainable movement of people within Banff National Park while reducing greenhouse emissions and impacts to climate change.
Parks Canada continues to collaborate with Roam Public Transit, the town of Banff, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, and other stakeholders and businesses to improve transit services to and within Banff National Park.
– Salman Rasheed, Field Unit Superintendent Banff National Park, Parks Canada

About BVRTSC: The Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission’s mission is to operate, enhance and grow a regional transit system through innovative transportation solutions while ensuring residents and visitors are able to live, work and play in the Bow Valley without the use of a private vehicle.

Media contact:

Martin Bean
CAO
martin.bean@roamtransit.com

Photo Credit: Nick Fitzhardinge